Skip to content
Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Storm Barra updates (7-12-21) 11:30am

#StormBarra –  see www.mapalerter.ie/waterford fore more

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise of severe weather events in Waterford City and County Council.

  • Tourin/Cappoquin Road L1018 closed due to road flooding.  Closed from N72 Junction to Graveyard.  Diversion via Lismore.
  • Faithlegg Road closed, tree down at Jack Meades. Diversion via Passage.
  • R683 Dunmore Road Closed, tree down.  Emergency services on site.
  • Wood Road – Glendine Road L-2004 is blocked due to fallen trees. Please avoid this road and take alternative routes.
  • Oil spillage on Tramore Rd R682 at O’Keeffe’s Cross, Tramore.
  • The L4144 Promenade in Tramore will be closed to vehicular traffic until further notice
  • Power outage in Waterford city centre

However with increasing winds and significant gusts expected, the Council anticipates additional fallen trees throughout the day, therefore travel should be avoided.

Members of the public can continue to contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:Emergency 999/112Irish Water Emergency 1850 278 278ESB Networks 1800 372 999Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205 050
MapAlerter incidents, mapped

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Storm Barra updates (7-12-21) 10:20am

#StormBarra

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise of some flooding in Dungarvan along Davitts Quay, Cois Tra, the Lookout Carpark, Park Hotel Road, all due to wave overtopping.  No flooding to property with the exception of one car flooded at the Lookout. All receding now with falling tide.

Branches down throughout and small number of trees at Glendine Road, Mellary/Cappoquin Road.  However with increasing winds expected, the Council anticipates additional fallen trees throughout the day, so please exercise caution and only travel if necessary to do so.

Spot flooding and debris on the road network throughout Waterford City and County.

Members of the public can continue to contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:Emergency 999/112Irish Water Emergency 1850 278 278ESB Networks 1800 372 999Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205 050

The Irish Coast Guard, Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Local Authorities have issued the following public safety advice:

·       Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings

  • All road users should be aware of the hazardous travelling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
  • As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
  • The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410
  • Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Status Orange Weather Warning issued for Waterford

A Status Orange Weather Warning has been issued for Waterford, with very heavy wind and rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, valid from 6am Tuesday 7th December until 6am Wednesday 8 December 2021.

This event will likely cause structural damage and significant surface water flooding throughout the county and, in such an instance, people are advised to undertake essential travel journeys only.

Waterford City and County Council’s Crisis Management Team met this afternoon to assess the situation and to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place in advance of this severe weather event.

The OPW High Tide Advisory Notice issued on Sunday afternoon remains in place for Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th December.

Storm surge around the Waterford Estuary is forecast to be significant and in the range from approximately 50cm to 60cm, and this will co-incide with astronomical spring tides close to Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT). This will result in the HAT being exceeded in many coastal locations especially those associated with Orange and Red wind warnings.

All appropriate flood defence barriers have been erected and the situation is being actively monitored.

Members of the public can continue to contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:

  • Emergency 999/112
  • Irish Water Emergency 1850 278 278
  • ESB Networks 1800 372 999
  • Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205 050

The Irish Coast Guard, Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Local Authorities have issued the following public safety advice:

·       Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings

  • All road users should be aware of the hazardous travelling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
  • As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
  • The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410
  • Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.

Waterford City and County Council will continue to review the situation throughout the duration of Storm Barra.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Safety Alert – Orange and Yellow Weather Warnings Issued for Storm Barra

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the next few days as Met Eireann has issued Orange and Yellow weather warnings for strong winds and rain.

An Orange Weather Warning has been issued for Tuesday and Tuesday night, due to Storm Barra. Southerly winds, later becoming north-westerly, will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with severe or damaging gusts of up to 130km/h, possibly higher in coastal areas. Affected counties include Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, and Limerick.

A Yellow Warning has been issued for the rest of the country on Tuesday and for a time on Wednesday, as Storm Barra brings very strong winds and spells of heavy rain across Ireland. Heavy rain will bring localised flooding. There will also be a risk of coastal flooding on south and west coasts.

Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warning are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey. The following advice is being given to road users. Motorists;

  • Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds, especially on exposed routes such as dual carriageways and motorways. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
  • Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed.
  • Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
  • Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
  • Drivers need to slow down in wet weather conditions, to avoid the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers should also leave a bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front.
  • If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. They may also have trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
  • Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
  • After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
  • Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists;

  • In areas affected by Orange Weather Warnings you should consider postponing your journey until conditions improve.
  • Visibility and light is reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
  • Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
  • Walk on a footpath, where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas.
  • Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
  • Cyclist should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike such as bright and light reflective items.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

By Waterford City & County Council

Good news for Built Heritage in Waterford

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has announced 2 funding schemes for Protected Structures and historic buildings – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2022 and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2022.

Since 2016, Waterford City and County Council has received funding of €1,071,800 for conservation projects under these schemes. This has supported 115 projects, provided over 8,200 days of employment and has generated a spend of €2,677,000. These figures do not include the non conservation element of projects which generated additional employment and spend. The projects ranged in scope from essential repairs of rainwater goods, walls, windows, thatch roofs, stained glass, to large-scale repairs of buildings.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2022

The BHIS scheme seeks to leverage private capital for investment in small-scale, labour-intensive projects and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of Protected Structures and in certain cases, the conservation of structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). Waterford has been allocated €182,400 and increase of 33% since 2021. Funding awards made under the scheme will be between €2,500 and €15,000, with applicants matching in full the grants being awarded.

The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2022.

Funding for the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) is being made available as part of Project Ireland 2040. Total funding available nationally under the Historic Structures fund in 2022 will be €4 million

1. Stream 1 will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures. 2. Stream 1, Historic Shopfronts sub-stream – As in 2021, to incentivise the conservation of historic shopfronts, each Local Authority is invited to submit an additional application under Stream 1 for eligible essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details to safeguard them and keep them in use. Local Authorities are invited to make applications for a maximum of one English and one Irish-language shopfront under Stream 1

3. Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where: a. A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or b. A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)

In addition, refurbishment or reuse projects where a clear residential benefit is demonstrated will be welcomed this year under Stream 2 in line with Housing for All commitments. A grant of over

€200,000 may be awarded in exceptional circumstances where a case is made by the applicant in relation to the significance of the project and the works proposed.

4. Vernacular Structures Stream – In the context of the forthcoming strategy for built vernacular, the pilot stream for vernacular structures introduced in 2021 will be retained, with funding of €50,000. The purpose of the stream is to support conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected. Such structures may be located within an Architectural Conservation Area. This stream will fund what can be termed ‘informal’ traditional buildings, which are a significant part of our intangible cultural heritage.All local authorities can apply for funding for specific projects of between €5,000 and €10,000 for eligible projects

These schemes will be administered by Waterford City and County Council. The criteria, list of qualifying works and the application forms for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022 and Historic Structures Fund 2022 are now available on www.waterfordcouncil.ie

Completed application forms and photos of the structures to be submitted only by email to Planning@waterfordcouncil.ie by 5 pm on 28th of January 2022. Please ensure that the grant scheme name is in the subject line and note that all forms must be completed in full in order to be processed. Successful applicants must have the works completed by 30th of September 2022.

For further information or if you have any queries in relation to the schemes please contact: Rosemary Ryall, Executive Conservation Officer, Waterford City and County Council. e-mail: rryall@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister O’Brien approves 211 new housing posts for Local Authorities, 8 in Waterford

 Additional staffing resources for housing-related projects 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has approved more than 200 new posts for local authority housing delivery teams across the country which will assist Councils in delivering their social housing targets.

housing_for_all_waterford

Waterford City and County Council will introduce eight new housing posts to its housing delivery team to assist with meeting its targets under Housing for All. 

Housing for All, the Government’s new housing Plan, commits to strengthening the capacity of Local Authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects. The Plan acknowledges that this requires the resourcing of housing delivery teams and the posts being announced today include a wide range of positions from engineers to quantity surveyors and architects with provision also made for the necessary administrative resources. 

Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “In September this year, the Government published our new housing strategy, ‘Housing for All’. It is the most comprehensive housing plan in the history of the State backed by an unprecedented €4bn per year. 

“Under ‘Housing for All’, we will deliver nearly 90,000 new-build social homes by 2030 and we have put a very clear focus on the delivery of new build projects.

“My Department has been working with the Housing Delivery Coordination Office (HDCO) and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to identify capacity limitations and additional staffing resources required to deliver our objectives.

“With the approval of these new posts, we are ensuring that all local authorities have the capacity to deliver the scale of social housing delivery required,” he concluded.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council added, “The department’s commitment to delivering social and affordable homes, not just in Waterford, but throughout the country, is underpinned by this announcement.  The availability of new personnel and resources will greatly assist Waterford’s housing delivery team meet its target under Housing for All.”

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Augustine’s College helping local community to reduce single use plastic

Secondary schools in Waterford got behind National Reuse Month’s campaign to get more people reusing and recycling.

As part of the national campaign throughout October, people were encouraged to reuse more in every aspect of daily life.  There were initiatives for everyone this year, from how to encourage reuse, and cut out disposable plastics at sports club or school, to upcycling everything from fashion to furniture.

Schools learned about the benefits of refilling a reusable bottle with water versus using a single use water bottle and disposing of it.  The online workshop was held by Waterford City and County Council and then the students of St. Augustine’s College, Dungarvan took action in their community by encouraging local businesses to offer water refills and register to appear on Refill.ie’s Tap Map, a site which shows all the locations in Ireland where a free water refill is available.

Speaking at St. Augustine’s College in Dungarvan, Deputy Mayor Cllr Seanie Power said, “This is a great campaign for communities up and down the county to get involved in and to take action against plastics, thus preventing waste and acting against climate change. This competition has united communities in a common goal to responsibly refill a reusable bottle and continue to contribute to the positive results the campaign has seen to date.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City & County Council added, “Schools across the county have done tremendous work for this competition.”

“This campaign has highlighted the benefits of refilling and reusing, not just within the school but across the wider community. We were delighted to receive LAPN funding from the EPA to run this competition. I would encourage everyone to look at the Tap Map on Refill.ie to check where their local refill points are located.”

Congratulations to the St. Augustine’s Transition Year students and TY Coordinator Margo McGann for driving the project in the school.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Retailers can Go Green and save money due to Retail Ireland and Irish Water partnership

Irish Water has partnered with Retail Ireland, to offer its members the opportunity to improve their green credentials with bespoke training on how to reduce their water consumption while also driving down operating costs for their businesses.

Irish Water’s specialised training for the retail sector provides staff and owners with the knowledge and expertise to lower water consumption and reduce costs while protecting the environment. Small changes such as identifying water being wasted on site, setting a baseline for water use to understand what is normal or average use, raising awareness amongst staff and customers or upgrading to water efficient devices can all help to reduce water use and save money.

The programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and is fully supported by Ibec, Chambers Ireland, SEAI, Origin Green, BIM and Enterprise Ireland.

Arnold Dillon, Retail Ireland Director is encouraging member businesses to sign up for this invaluable training: “A range of retailers have already completed Irish Water’s Water Stewardship Programme and the feedback has been incredibly positive. They’ve taken a range of new tips, tools and information from the course and transferred them into tangible results, saving water and money for their businesses.”

Ken Stockil, Central Solutions (Irish Water programme delivery partner) added: “The award winning Certified Water Stewardship Programme from Irish Water and the Lean & Green Skillnet, provides world class support to enterprises seeking to reduce their water use and strengthen their environmental credentials through verifiable action. This online training allows businesses to participate at a time that suits their busy schedules and will help their employees and customers make conscious decisions about water consumption that will benefit everyone.”

Retailers interested in getting involved in this free training are asked to register before December 15 at www.water.ie/stewardship.

Christine Crawford, Irish Water added: “Sustainability is a top priority for Irish retailers. Irish Water’s Certified Water Stewardship Programme supports retailers to move to more environmentally responsible water management practices. The programme is providing international best practice training to support businesses to use water sustainably, in a way that benefits people and nature.

“While retailers are the focus today Irish Water has developed three steps to support all businesses to move to more sustainable water management. We would encourage all businesses to start the water conservation journey and go green, the first step is the Water Conservation Pledge which only takes minutes to complete. This is followed by free online Water Conservation Training, and finally business representatives can enrol and become a Certified Water Steward.”

The programme is funded by Irish Water and the Lean & Green Skillnet with the support of Skillnet Ireland and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It gives participating businesses the tools to save water and money by providing them with the knowledge and skills to reduce water consumption and operating costs. Participants will learn the key principles of water stewardship and the actions required to improve environmental performance.

Retail businesses can access bespoke water conservation tips for the retail industry at www.water.ie/retail and sign up to the Water Stewardship Programme with Retail Ireland at water.ie/stewardship

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

New Suir River walk opens to public

With construction complete on the enhanced Suir River Walk, the newly extended pathway from Maypark Village to Cove Lane was opened to the public this week.

Improvements to the 3km of woodland trail included the widening of paths, realigning of the path to avoid mature trees, the installation of culverts, fencing, and a new entrance was created at Cove Lane, while the entrance at King’s Channel was improved.

Overall, the works have improved access to the trail, and made it more accessible to a wide range of users.

Fergus Galvin, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said that the improvements will undoubtedly make the trail even more appealing.  “It was a somewhat well kept secret amongst those in the vicinity.  While the infrastructure was already there with a path from the Kings Channel entrance right through to Freshfield, these works have greatly enhanced the trail, and extended it a further 500 metres to Cove Lane.”

“Since the closure of the Snowcream site, Waterford City and County Council has agreed to purchase the site which includes Goff Woods from Glanbia.  The natural woodland area on the banks of the Suir has been inaccessible for many years and this trail which was developed under licence from Glanbia will enable the public to enjoy the woodland again.”

“Our ultimate ambition would be to extend the pathway all the way into the heart of the city centre creating a continuous 4.3km long path from Ballinakill to Georges Quay and we will be developing plans during 2022 to achieve this.”

The walkway is bounded by the River Suir to the north and sloping woodlands to the south.  With intriguing glimpses of the River Suir, careful consideration has been given to the preservation of the indigenous woodland, which comprises of oak, yew, holly, beech and ash trees.  The new pathway that runs the length of the trail is littered with fallen leaves to give a slightly yielding surface, which is perfect for walkers and runners.

Waterford City & County Mayor Cllr. Joe Kelly acknowledged that enhanced pathway is a welcome addition.  “This original walkway was of huge benefit to those from the area, however with the improvements and extension it is will be an amenity that can be enjoyed by many more.”

“It is a wonderful addition and the improvements to the surfacing will make it a viable option for walkers, joggers and families wishing to enjoy the outdoors”.

The works were completed in 2021, after Waterford City & County Council received funding from the National Transport Authority under the July Jobs Stimulus Plan for the development of Cycling and Walking Projects.

The funding is designed to support local authorities’ response to Covid-19 challenges and assist with their work to equip local communities and businesses with improved walking and cycling infrastructure.  Three sections of the Suir River Walk were completed by three local contractors, Liam Whelan Plant Hire, Richard Forristal Ltd and Mallwood Ltd, with expenditure totalling €366,000 in 2020-2021.

-ENDS–

Free to use images:  David Murphy

By Waterford City & County Council

ACT Waterford call for creatives

Pictured with artist Aga Krym are Lismore Tidy Towns and Waterford Slí are Mary O’Brien, Rose O’Dowd, David Keane, Sarah Keane, Nora O’Connor, BrÍd Nowlan and Shelia Roche at Lismore. Picture: Patrick Browne

ACT Waterford seeks creatives for a project which brings together five different communities in Waterford City and County to engage with themes of climate change: transport, domestic energy, rural environment, green spaces and consumption aligning with WCCC’s aim to make Waterford City a decarbonised zone by 2040.

This is an interdisciplinary project which brings together Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in an exciting project funded by Creative Ireland Climate Action fund.

More via www.calmast.ie/act-waterford-call-for-creatives/

By Waterford City & County Council

Works commence on world-class visitor experience at Mount Congreve

In 2019, Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, as joint funding partners, were awarded grant funding of €3,726,000 for the development of Mount Congreve House and Gardens, under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) and Project Ireland 2040.

With building contractors Ormonde Construction now on site, works have commenced to develop Mount Congreve, which is home to one of the largest private collections of plants in the world, as a world-class tourist destination.

The works will involve the partial redevelopment and restoration of the Mount Congreve House and will provide enhanced visitor amenities including a new visitor centre, with cafe and retail spaces.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council said that the investment in Mount Congreve House and Gardens will consolidate its position as one of ‘the great gardens of the world.’

“Not only will the works enhance the house and grounds, it will deliver a world-class visitor centre in the heart of the South East.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly added, “This major re-development project will also open up the heretofore private areas of the house to the public, which is sure to offer a fascinating insight into the history of Mount Congreve.”

It is intended that on completion, the project will deliver a tourism destination that will attract 150,000 visitors annually, an enhanced visitor experience to the gardens and planted woodlands, which are of international importance, investment in the underdeveloped assets on the Estate to generate additional employment and revenue opportunities, along with increased visitor numbers, and ensure the long-term viability of this enormously important visitor attraction.

Mount Congreve Estate Manager Ray Sinnott said, “It’s a great development for the house and the gardens.  The beauty of Mount Congreve is that it has a broad appeal to everyone, whether it’s gardeners, historians, tourists or our friends and neighbours.  This development will throw open the gates of the estate to over 150,000 visitors each year and allow them to get a sense of the history of the house and the care and attention that has gone into the gardens.”

Orla Carroll, Director Product Development at Fáilte Ireland commented, “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to see work commence on this exciting development to open the beautiful Mount Congreve House and Gardens to the World. The project will create a new, vibrant attraction in Waterford for families and overseas visitors and will reinforce Ireland’s Ancient East as a world-class visitor destination.”

The works to Mount Congreve House are expected to last until summer 2022.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Safety Alert – Weather Warning for Hail Showers

Road Safety Alert – Weather Warning for Hail Showers

Tuesday 30 November 2021. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising drivers to be aware of the dangers posed by hailstones. The advice comes as Met Eireann has forecast wintery showers of hail over the coming days and into the weekend.

Hail is a common but unpredictable occurrence in Ireland and can lead to slippery and dangerous driving conditions. This is especially true on higher speed roads like dual carriageways or motorways.

The difficulty with hail showers is their unpredictability and localised nature.  As a hail shower tracks across the country it deposits a narrow band of ball bearing sized hailstones on the ground.  Where the track of a shower crosses a road, drivers may suddenly pass from perfectly good road conditions onto a carpet of hailstones. This has the potential to catch drivers out if they do not immediately react to the hazardous driving conditions.

The RSA has the following practical advice for drivers:

  • Drivers need to be on guard to the potential danger posed by hailstones.
  • If you encounter hailstones reduce your speed, without breaking if possible. Warn other drivers by using your hazard warning lights.
  • Driving slowly in a high gear will help your tyres maintain grip even as your tyres move over the compacted pellets of ice.
  • Accelerate and brake very gently and drive slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Avoid sudden steering movements or hard braking.
  • Keep an eye out for road markings that may become obscured and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Drivers are also advised to make sure their tyres are fit for purpose i.e., that they are not below the legal minimum tread depth (1.6mm) and that they are inflated to the correct pressure, so they can cope better with such challenging driving conditions.

Checking forecasts and listening to travel bulletins before and during your journey will alert you of any possible hail showers.

For more information see the public information video on driving in hailstones, developed by the RSA featuring RTE’s Teresa Mannion.

For advice on severe weather driving tips and weather updates, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

For weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Funding Boost For Waterford’s Outdoor Amenities

Waterford City and County Council was successful in securing €562,140 in funding under the 2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), Measure 2 and 3 which was recently announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D.

copper_coast_waterford

The announcement which has committed funding support of €15.5 million for 84 outdoor adventure projects nationwide, is a key part of ‘Our Rural Future’ which will support rural economies and make rural Ireland a more attractive destination for adventure tourism in the coming years.  The funding scheme which is also supported by Fáilte Ireland at National level provides funding to Local Authorities for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways, and blueways.

Announcing the funding Minister Humphreys said, “The 84 projects that we are investing in today will benefit people of all ages and abilities for generations to come. This unprecedented investment will also help further our ambition to support our rural economies and make Rural Ireland a destination of choice for adventure tourism. Outdoor pursuits have become an even bigger part of all of our lives over the past two years. Through this Fund, we are developing and enhancing the fantastic natural amenities in our rural communities so more and more people can access and enjoy them.”

Under this latest round of ORIS funding the Waterford projects which will benefit include:

  • Development of Crough Wood Trailhead, Amenities and Car Park, Mahon Bridge, Co. Waterford – €365,328.30
  • Kilmacthomas River Walk Enhancement Works – €69,930.00
  • Waterford Trails and Outdoor Amenities: Visitor and Footfall Counting Project – €76,885.44
  • A separate ‘Project Development’ funding stream was also made available to projects that are at an early stage of appraisal. Waterford was awarded funding for feasibility and preliminary design of a Copper Coast Walking Trail under this category – €50,000.00

This latest funding announcement is in addition to Measure 1 ORIS funding of €57,370 which was announced back in October of this year.

Welcoming the announcement Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly was delighted to see more funding from central government.

 

“This funding not only benefits our wonderful outdoor amenities here in Waterford, but also our local communities and rural economy.  Funding support in recent years to similar projects has served to further enhance Waterford’s reputation as a wonderful location for outdoor pursuits and I have no doubt that this latest funding announcement will prove equally successful.  The importance of investment in developing and maintaining our superb outdoor activity infrastructure cannot be overstated as it enhances our sustainable tourism offering and brings undeniable benefits in terms of the health and well being to our local communities, particularly at this current time.”

ORIS has funded 35 outdoor recreation projects all across Waterford since 2017 which equates to funding support of €1,893,726 being allocated to Waterford City & County Council.  It is envisaged that projects funded under the scheme will be implemented throughout 2022 and 2023. Waterford’s recreational trails were highlighted as part of another ORIS funded project which was launched in June of this year promoting our wonderful amenities as part of the ‘Walk Waterford’ project.  A new walking trail booklet was developed as well as a fantastic online resource with maps, photos and video which can be viewed at www.visitwaterfordtrails.com.

These existing trails and outdoor recreational opportunities are currently being actively promoted not only by Waterford City & County Council but also by Visit Waterford, Ireland’s Ancient East, other stakeholders and the wider community.

Isn’t it time to go out and explore all that Waterford has to offer!

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor remembers those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19

On Friday, November 26th, the Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Joe Kelly planted a tree in the People’s Park, paying tribute to those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

Cllr Kelly said, “It is my great honour as Mayor of Waterford City and County, to plant this tree today, remembering those who have sadly lost their lives to Covid.  Each one of them was a mother, a father, a son, or daughter, a partner, a sibling, a friend, a neighbour or a colleague.  They have been taken from their families and loved ones by Covid, but they will not be forgotten.”

“From the dark days that we have endured to the uncertainty that lies ahead, there will be brighter times ahead and we will prevail.”

“This tree is a symbol for those who have passed….strong, proud and always close by.  This spot in the People’s Park is somewhere tranquil and soothing when we want to remember those who we’ve lost.  It’s a place to visit to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives, and also to acknowledge all who have contributed to the fight against Covid, in particular our frontline healthcare workers.  We are indebted to them for their hard-work, compassion and their professionalism as they work through this difficult time.”

Remembrance events had taken place throughout the country in September however, Waterford City and County Council delayed the ceremony in order to source a tree, fitting to mark the solemnity and magnitude of the occasion.

Eoin Dullea, Horticulturist with Waterford City and County Council sourced a beautiful foxglove tree (Paulownia Tomentosa) and explained why he had chosen that particular species.

“In essence, when the Foxglove tree or Paulownia is in flower, it looks far too exotic to be grown in Ireland.  The foxglove tree is a tree not seen that much in our ordinary everyday gardens as it is far too big for a small garden as a fully grown tree.  However, it is perfect for this location and an occasion as respectful as this deserves a tree as magnificent as this.”

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)